Tyler Reddick Wins Third Straight to Start Season for 23XI Racing

Owner Denny Hamlin praises Reddick's discipline and momentum heading to Phoenix

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Denny Hamlin, owner of 23XI Racing, praised driver Tyler Reddick's record-setting performance after winning the third race of the season, making Reddick the first driver in over 60 years to win the first three races to start a season. Hamlin highlighted Reddick's discipline and poise, especially on restarts, that have allowed him to succeed on a diverse set of tracks so far this year. Hamlin expressed confidence in Reddick's abilities, but noted the true test will come next week at Phoenix, a track where Reddick has not had as much success.

Why it matters

Reddick's historic start to the season has defied the odds, with wins coming on very different track types like Daytona, Atlanta, and the road course at Sonoma. This run of success has validated Hamlin's decision to bring Reddick to 23XI Racing and shown the team's ability to provide a competitive car across a wide range of circuits.

The details

In the Sonoma race, Hamlin noted that Reddick was able to maintain discipline and poise on restarts, not overdriving the car and instead managing the pace to keep the competition at bay. Hamlin believes this level of maturity and race management is a key factor in Reddick's success so far this season.

  • Reddick won the season-opening race at Daytona on February 19, 2026.
  • Reddick then won the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 26, 2026.
  • Reddick completed the three-peat by winning the race at Sonoma Raceway on March 2, 2026.

The players

Denny Hamlin

The owner of 23XI Racing, which fields the No. 45 car driven by Tyler Reddick. Hamlin praised Reddick's discipline and poise that have led to the historic start to the season.

Tyler Reddick

The driver of the No. 45 car for 23XI Racing, who has won the first three races of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, making him the first driver in over 60 years to accomplish that feat.

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What they’re saying

“It's unbelievable. I'm not going to see it again in my lifetime, someone to go out there and win three races in a row to start the season.”

— Denny Hamlin, Owner, 23XI Racing (Speedway Digest)

“What I love to see is the work that he puts in and the things that we provide him for information. He's soaking it all in and he's using it and executing it.”

— Denny Hamlin, Owner, 23XI Racing (Speedway Digest)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Reddick's historic start to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season has validated Hamlin's decision to bring him to 23XI Racing, and has shown the team's ability to provide a competitive car across a wide range of circuits. However, the true test will come next week at Phoenix, a track where Reddick has not had as much success in the past.